Day: October 27, 2025

New data shows Amazon’s £3.7 billion commitment to Scotland

THE latest Amazon Economic Impact Report shows that Amazon has invested over £3.7 billion in Scotland since 2010. These figures are taken from the updated Amazon Economic Impact Hub, documenting Amazon’s investments in Scotland and throughout the UK over the past 15 years. 

The 2025 Amazon UK Economic Impact Hub features comprehensive data covering employment opportunities Amazon has generated across the region and the scope of economic activity driven by its investments. 

Key findings from the 2025 Amazon Economic Impact Report include:

  • Amazon has invested over £3.7 billion in Scotland and more than £2.8 billion in Eastern Scotland since 2010.
  • This investment led to the production of goods and services that contributed an estimated £3 billion to Scotland’s GDP since 2010.
  • Over 520 people in Scotland have successfully completed Amazon’s career development and skills training initiatives since 2010.
  • More than 90 apprentices from Scotland have graduated through the Amazon Apprenticeship programme since 2010. 
  • Since 2010, Amazon has created over 3,000 full and part-time employment opportunities across Scotland. 

“Amazon is committed to strengthening the regional economy and supporting the broader Scottish community through strategic investments, employment creation, charitable contributions and community engagement initiatives,” said Jamie Strain, General Manager from Amazon in Dunfermline.

“As we maintain our commitment to regional economic development, we’re enhancing our partnerships with community organisations throughout Dunfermline.

“In 2025 so far, our team has collaborated with many organisations including Scot Baby Box Appeal, Fife Gingerbread and Cardenden Primary School through volunteer engagement, product contributions and direct financial assistance.

“We look forward to expanding our community support initiatives in the months ahead as we continue serving customers, sellers and communities.”

Amazon recently announced plans to invest £40 billion in the UK over the next three years (2025-2027). This investment includes building four new fulfilment centres and new delivery stations nationwide, as well as upgrades and expansions to its existing network of over 100 operations buildings across the country.

The investment will create thousands of new permanent, full-time jobs in the UK, with the vast majority outside of London and the South East. These include 2,000 jobs at the previously announced state-of-the-art fulfilment centre in Hull and 2,000 jobs at another in Northampton, plus additional positions at new sites in the East Midlands and at delivery stations across the country.

As a top 10 private sector employer, Amazon already employs over 75,000 people in the UK, providing roles of all kinds, at all levels, across every region of the country.

Amazon pays full-time employees a minimum of £28,000 per year (£30,000 in London), and will create over 60 different roles at the new sites, including positions for robotics technicians, safety experts, and mechatronic engineers.

Additional information regarding Amazon’s economic contributions across the UK is available here – https://www.aboutamazon.co.uk/news/company-news/amazon-economic-impact-uk-tax-contributions-investments

Aldi deputy store manager celebrates 30 years of service

Aldi Livingston deputy store manager, Vikki Devlin, is marking an incredible milestone as she celebrates 30 years with the retailer. 

Vikki, 53, from Livingston, first joined Aldi in 1995 at the original Bathgate store, before transferring to the Livingston store on Almondvale Road in 1998.

Since then, she has become a familiar face to generations of customers, working her way up from Store Assistant to Deputy Store Manager and helping to shape the store’s welcoming, community atmosphere. 

Vikki joked: “I’ve spent my whole adult life at Aldi, my whole married life, my son’s whole life, I don’t really remember life before it!” 

Reflecting on her early days, Vikki said: “When I started, there were only two Aldi stores in Scotland, and I’d barely heard of it until my auntie told me about the one in Wishaw.

“The recruitment process was tough – we had to memorise a full price list and sit a test at the end of the week. If you remembered correctly, you were offered a job. Thankfully, I passed!” 

Over the years, Vikki has seen the Livingston store transform with two major extensions, new technology and countless memories made along the way.

“The changes have been incredible,” she said. “When I started, we were cash only and had to introduce a separate card area when they became the more common way to pay. Now we’ve got digital price cards, scanners and card tills, it’s a totally different world.” 

Vikki’s three decades with Aldi have been marked by enduring friendships and a real sense of family.

“I’ve made some lifelong friends who started as colleagues,” she said. “I’ve worked with Debbie for 23 years and Kevin has been my manager for 22 years.

“We’ve watched all our kids grow up together – it’s more like a family than colleagues. Our store is unusual in that so many people here have celebrated years of long service, and that’s definitely down to Kevin.

“He’s completely transformed the shop and the atmosphere.” 

Vikki’s warmth and care extend beyond her team to the customers she serves. “There’s one couple, Nan and Davie, who I’ve served my whole career, and now I serve their three daughters too. I always say they’re my adopted parents! I even get them Christmas presents,” she said.

“Some customers will queue just to come to my till, and I get birthday cards and pictures from their kids. It’s those moments that make the job so rewarding and special.” 

Having been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis eight years ago, Vikki says the support from her colleagues has been “tremendous”. “They help me with day-to-day things like setting up the till and are always looking out for me. It’s that kind of support that makes Aldi such a special place to work.” 

Over the years, Vikki has also played a big part in supporting and training younger team members. “I’ve helped to train lots of young apprentices who had 101 questions,” she laughed. “Now some of them are managing their own stores across the country.”  

Kevin Regan, Store Manager, Aldi Livingston said: “Vikki is the heart of this store. Her warmth, humour and kindness shine through every day, whether she’s supporting a colleague or chatting with customers at the till.  

“She’s been a fantastic role model to everyone who’s worked alongside her and has made a real difference to our store and our community. We’re so proud of her and delighted to celebrate this incredible 30-year milestone.” 

First unlicensed short term let operator fined in the Capital

The first conviction against the operator of an unlicensed short term let (STL) has been secured in Edinburgh.

The convicted owner of an unlicensed STL in the west of the city has received a £600 fine and was ordered to pay £500 compensation to the neighbour who raised the case with the Council.

The operator was then reported to the Procurator Fiscal (PF) by the Council and PF started criminal proceedings. The neighbour reported the unlicensed property after experiencing repeated loud noise and disruption by guests, on one occasion witnessing 19 people staying at the unlicenced STL above them.

The successful case has further implications for the convicted property owner as it’s likely to affect any future licence applications by the same owner.

To operate as a registered landlord or licence holder for a House of Multiple Occupation (HMO) or STL, you need to be a fit and proper person and any relevant convictions including operating an unlicenced STL are taken into consideration when this assessment is made.

Operating as an unregistered landlord or unlicenced HMO is an offence which carries a maximum fine of up to £50,000, while the maximum fine for operating an unlicensed STL is currently £2,500.

The Council has reported a further 12 cases of unlicensed STLs to the Procurator Fiscal which are pending.

Convener of the Regulatory Committee, Cllr Neil Ross, said: “Short term let regulation was introduced to help ensure holiday lets are safe and used appropriately. This conviction sends a clear message that operating without a licence is illegal. It also demonstrates that our enforcement team is effective and that a conviction will result in financial penalties.

“This isn’t action that we want to take. We always try to resolve issues through advice and guidance in the first instance and where this approach doesn’t work, we gather the information required to take enforcement action.

“This can result in reporting offences to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal services, so I would urge all STL operators to make sure they have the right licence in place as we will continue to pursue all cases we have where necessary.”

As of March 2025 the Council received 5,441 Short Term Let licence applications, of which 4,654 have been granted. 

Five-star spa in the capital awarded top UK accolade

Sheraton achieves elite Five Bubble Luxury status

ONE OF Scotland’s most luxurious spas has secured the highest honour from the UK’s most prestigious spa authority.

The One Spa, located within the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa in Edinburgh’s city centre, has been awarded the coveted Five Bubble Luxury status by the Good Spa Guide, making it the only spa in Edinburgh to receive the top ranking.

The award cements One Spa’s position as a leader in wellness and relaxation, reinforcing its reputation as a must-visit destination for both visitors and residents seeking a high-end holistic experience.

Run by the independent Good Spa Guide, the Five Bubble Luxury status is awarded following rigorous assessment by trained “Spa Spies” and is reserved only for venues delivering exceptional standards of luxury, treatments, customer service and facilities.

The Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa has long been recognised as a landmark in Scottish hospitality, offering refined five-star experiences and exceptional service in the heart of the capital.

The One Spa is considered a cornerstone of this experience, combining modern design with therapeutic excellence.

Fiona Young, Spa Director at One Spa, said: “Achieving Five Bubble Luxury status is a remarkable milestone for our team.

“This recognition is not only a testament to the hard work and passion of our spa professionals but also reflects the commitment we have made to delivering a world-class wellness experience.

“From our rooftop hydropool to our extensive Thermal Suite and range of expertly delivered treatments, every element of One Spa has been designed with relaxation, rejuvenation and luxury in mind. It is incredibly rewarding to see our dedication acknowledged at this level.”

The Good Spa Guide’s assessment praised One Spa for its calm and spacious atmosphere, top-tier facilities and highly trained therapists. In particular, it highlighted the rooftop hydropool, which offers guests roof top views while soaking in warm, restoring waters.

Set across multiple levels, One Spa offers a unique blend of advanced wellness facilities and relaxing design features, with standout elements including a 19-metre infinity-edge swimming pool, holistic treatment rooms, state-of-the-art gym, and the city’s most extensive Thermal Suite.

The spa’s comprehensive treatment menu ranges from personalised facials and massage therapies to signature rituals and high-performance skin care using both local and globally renowned products.

Copyright Matthew Shaw All rights reserved and all moral rights asserted. See licence supplied with this image for full terms & conditions. Copy available at: www.matthewshaw.co.uk/copyright.html Not for use by architects, interior designers or other hotel suppliers without permission from Matthew Shaw

Martijn Zengerink, General Manager of the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, said: “This award underlines our long-standing commitment to excellence across every part of the Sheraton Grand experience.

“One Spa has always been a cornerstone of our guest offering, and to be recognised at the very highest level reinforces Edinburgh’s reputation as a world-class destination for wellness and hospitality.”

With wellness tourism and staycations continuing to grow in popularity, industry accolades such as this are expected to play an increasingly influential role in helping guests choose where to invest their relaxation time and budget.

The accolade is on the back of the hotel marking its 40th anniversary in 2025 and celebrating four decades of iconic hospitality in Scotland’s capital.

Fiona added: “We’re proud to be flying the flag for Edinburgh as a top-tier spa destination. With a growing focus on wellbeing and self-care, our aim is to continually raise the bar and this award is both a recognition and motivation to keep pushing boundaries.”

To learn more and book an experience at the One Spa visit: https://www.onespa.com/

Shotput presents Arlington by Enda Walsh at Traverse Theatre

6 – 8 November, Traverse Theatre | Tickets Here

Arlington by Enda Walsh

Directed by Lucy Ireland and Jim Manganello

Scottish premiere

Touring 17 October – 8 November

6 – 8 November, Traverse Theatre | Tickets Here

Starring Aisha Goodman, Alex Austin, and Jack Anderson

Scottish dance-theatre company Shotput are delighted to announce the Scottish Premiere of Arlington by legendary contemporary playwright Enda Walsh. The show will tour across three venues this autumn – Cumbernauld Theatre; Tron Theatre, Glasgow; and Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh. 

Set in a dystopian world dominated by surveillance and control, Arlington follows Isla, a young woman held inside a mysterious high rise facility, waiting for her number to be called.

Telling stories of her dreams for the world outside, her only human interaction is with an anonymous man on the other side of the wall. Today there is a new listener. Their encounter sparks a fragile connection that defies the cold mechanisms of the world around them, and what starts as a seemingly small human interaction turns into something much more terrifying and sublime. 

Arlington explores themes of love, freedom, and the enduring power of human connection in the face of oppression. This show about telling stories slyly activates our human impulse for narrative, questioning present realities and imagining new ones. Told in three acts, Arlington sees theatre and dance combine in a tale for two actors and one dancer. 

Jim Manganello and Lucy Ireland said: “We are so thrilled that Shotput gets to have a go at this play with dance by Enda Walsh, a writer who we’ve been obsessed with for many years.

“Enda’s wicked sense of humour, his slant take on the world, and the space he opens for athleticism and dance feels like a perfect fit for all the things we love to do.

“Arlington is a hidden masterpiece and we’re delighted to be bringing it to Scottish audiences for the first time. Whatever you think this play is at the beginning – a dystopian satire, a dream, a love story – we promise that it will mutate and defy expectations over the course of its running time and as you think and talk about it after.

“Funny, difficult, terrifying, beautiful. We’re honoured that we get a go at capturing all that and sharing it.” 

Known for their experimental investigations into the darker sides of contemporary life, this is Shotput’s first Scottish tour since they were awarded multi-year funding.

It is directed by the company’s Co-Artistic Directors Lucy Ireland and Jim Manganello, with a creative team made up of Shotput’s associate artists, Lighting Designer Emma Jones; Video Designer Rob Willoughby, and Scenic and Costume Designer Anna Yates, as well as Sound Designer Garry Boyle and Composer Cat Myers returning from Shotput’s maverick Totentanz. 

Enda Walsh is one of the most renowned contemporary playwrights of our time. Winning multiple Fringe First awards throughout his career, his work has a long history in Scotland, with multiple productions at the Traverse Theatre, including Medicine, Disco Pigs, Ballyturk and more.

Shotput’s production of Arlington will mark its Scottish Premiere. 

Instagram: @shotputtheatre

Facebook: @ShotputTheatre

Twitter: @ShotputTheatre

Website: https://www.shotput.org/

Creative Team: 

Co-directors | Lucy Ireland and Jim Manganello

Producer | Isy Sharman

Scenic and Costume Designer | Anna Yates

Video Designer | Rob Willoughby 

Lighting Designer | Emma Jones

Sound Designer | Garry Boyle Composer | Cat Myers

Four Magicians bring ‘UK’s favourite magic show’ to Edinburgh International Magic Festival

A group of Scottish magicians will bring their award-winning magic show to Edinburgh for the first time this December.

Four Magicians – starring Smith & Burns, Eoin Smith and James Dickson – was named the top magic show in the UK by readers of MagicSeats.co.uk, beating the likes of Penn & Teller and Britain’s Got Talent winner Richard Jones to the top spot.

The group will bring their show to the Scottish Storytelling Centre as part of the sixteenth Edinburgh International Magic Festival at 7pm on December 27 and 28.

Tickets costing £14 (£12 concessions) are available now from: https://magicfest.co.uk/whats-on/four-magicians/.

Smith & Burns’ Ivor Smith said: “We’re really excited to be bringing our show to Edinburgh for the first time later this year – and to be doing that as part of MagicFest makes it even more special.

“We’re looking forward to joining a host of other amazing magical performers in the capital for a magical festive season.”

Ivor’s double act partner, Jeff Burns – who recently appeared on BBC’s The Repair Shop – added: “Double acts in magic are uncommon, but seeing four magicians on stage at the same time is even rarer. This really is a show unlike anything anyone has seen before.

“So many people have seen magic on TV but never had the chance to see it live, so events like MagicFest are where magic really comes alive.”

Four Magicians features incredible sleight of hand, unexplainable acts of mind reading and plenty of comedy as the performers take the audience on a rollercoaster ride through the world of magic. The Edinburgh performance follows a string of sold-out shows across Scotland, which garnered rave reviews from audiences and critics alike.

Of their sold-out Dundee Fringe performance, FringeReview UK said Four Magicians is “like a tag team wrestling match of magic” with “genuinely great comedy timing” and magic that “must be seen to be believed.” Broadway Baby’s comedy editor James Macfarlane also said in his four-star review: “It has been a long time since I have felt such boyhood wonder.”

Speaking of what audiences can expect, James Dickson said: “The show is like a comedy sketch show or a variety show with a magic twist – you never quite know what’s going to happen next, but there’s always something magical around the corner!”

Eoin Smith added: “We all met as members of Aberdeen Magical Society… well most of us did, Ivor is actually my dad!

“We found ourselves catching up to chat magic between society meetings and soon started writing a show together. It all came together really naturally, and it’s been an absolute blast to perform.

“There’s something really joyful about getting to step out on stage with your mates every night.”

Four Magicians takes place at the Scottish Storytelling Centre on December 27-28, 2025 at 7pm as part of the Edinburgh International Magic Festival.

For more information and to book tickets, visit https://magicfest.co.uk/whats-on/four-magicians/.

Millions of tenants safe from black mould through Awaab’s Law

New laws are now in force protecting England’s social housing tenants from emergency hazards and damp and mould. The changes are a lasting legacy to Awaab Ishak

  • New rules will protect tenants and force social landlords in England to urgently fix dangerous homes. 
  • Emergency hazards to be addressed within 24 hours under landmark changes.
  • Reforms are a legacy to two-year-old Awaab Ishak who tragically died from prolonged exposure to mould. 

The first phase of Awaab’s Law will force social landlords to take urgent action to fix dangerous homes or face the full force of the law, improving lives for tenants and families living in all four million of England’s social rented homes. 

The new legal duties will finally put tenants’ safety first with landlords forced to fix emergency health and safety hazards within 24 hours of reporting. They must also investigate significant damp and mould within 10 working days of being notified and then make properties safe in five working days. For both types of hazards, they must also write the findings to tenants within three working days of inspection.   

As part of the reforms, landlords now must also consider the circumstances of tenants which could put them at risk – including young children and those with disabilities or health conditions. Alternative accommodation must also be offered if homes cannot be made safe within the required timeframes. 

These vital reforms will not only keep tenants safer in their homes, but hold landlords to account. Those who fail to comply with the rules face being taken to court, where they could be issued enforcement orders, forced to pay compensation and legal costs – as well as loss of rent if homes were uninhabitable.

Awaab’s Law is a lasting legacy to two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who tragically died after being exposed to mould at his Rochdale home in December 2020. In the wake of this tragedy, Awaab’s family has fought to secure justice, not only for their son but for all those who live in social housing. 

Housing Secretary Steve Reed said:  ”Everyone deserves a safe and decent home to live in and Awaab Ishak is a powerful reminder of how this can sadly be a matter of life or death. 

“Awaab’s family has fought hard for change and their work to protect millions of tenants’ lives will live on as a legacy to their son. 

“Our changes will give tenants a stronger voice and force landlords to act urgently when lives are at risk, ensuring such tragedies are never repeated.”

More of Awaab’s Law will be phased in next year and in 2027 to make homes safer from more hazards, alongside work to build 1.5 million new homes, including the biggest boost of social and affordable housing in a generation. 

To bring further transformative and lasting change in the safety and quality of social housing and give tenants a stronger voice, a new £1 million fund has been launched by the government today to create new ways of helping tenants engage with their landlords and have more influence over decisions that affect them. 

Up to £100,000 will be granted to successful bidders who propose strong ideas for improving communication between landlords and tenants and help tenants have more of a say in how their homes are managed.

Examples of innovative ideas could include online platforms, marketing campaigns or recruiting specialist personnel who can support tenants to improve their experiences in social housing. 

This will help replace the outdated, inefficient ways of communicating that leave tenants feeling unheard and waiting too long to get issues resolved by their landlord. 

Two charged as part of investigation to tackle Bonfire Night disorder

NORTH EDINBURGH PROPERTIES RAIDED

Two men have been charged as part of an ongoing investigation to tackle disorder ahead of this year’s Bonfire Night period.

On Wednesday, 15 October, 2025, officers in West Lothian recovered 200kg of fireworks from a storage unit in East Calder.

As part of enquiries, intelligence-led searches were then carried out at properties in West Granton Road, West Pilton Lea, West Pilton Street, West Pilton Place and Bughtlin Place.

Two men, aged 18 and 25, were arrested and charged. The 18-year-old was due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Friday, 24 October and the 25-year-old is scheduled to appear today, Monday, 27 October.

Detective Inspector Steven Dick from Edinburgh Division CID said: “Our enquiries suggest the large quantity of fireworks seized was intended to be used for disorder and violence over the coming weeks.

“We know the significant impact the criminal use of fireworks has had on communities, vital services and emergency workers during the last few years, and this will not be tolerated.

“Officers will continue to gather intelligence and carry out enforcement and disruption action to prevent firework-related offences and bring to justice those who intend to cause fear and injury during the Bonfire Night period.”

Anyone who has information on planned criminal activity involving fireworks can contact Police Scotland via 101 or make an anonymous report to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Heriot-Watt University launches world’s first online course in carbon dioxide removal

In a global first, Heriot-Watt University has unveiled a groundbreaking new online course dedicated to tackling the excess of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the Earth’s atmosphere, one of the root causes of climate change.

The Carbon Dioxide Removal from a Systems Perspective course, delivered by Heriot-Watt Online, is the first university-led initiative of its kind to focus exclusively on the science, technology, and policy of removing CO₂ from the environment.

This short course, lasting 50 hours, is designed for professionals across sectors such as government, energy, agroforestry and tech as well as those looking to pivot into climate-focused roles.

It explores the science of the global carbon cycle and will unpick the latest carbon removal technologies such as direct air capture and enhanced rock weathering. It will also investigate the economic, environmental and societal trade-offs of different approaches.

With the scale-up of the Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) sector representing a major economic opportunity for Europe – projected to become a €220 billion annual market and support 670,000 high-quality jobs by 2050, according to a 2025 whitepaper from Carbon Gap – the demand for skilled professionals has never been higher.

Developed in collaboration with industries, government bodies, and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), the programme equips learners with the knowledge and practical skills to address one of the world’s most urgent climate challenges. Without large-scale carbon removal, experts agree, global climate targets will remain out of reach.

Dr Mijndert van der Spek, Associate Professor and course lead at Heriot-Watt University, is an internationally recognised expert in the environmental and economic evaluation of climate mitigation technologies.

“We’re incredibly proud to pioneer this course,” said Dr van der Spek. “For years we’ve been advancing carbon dioxide removal technologies, but there’s been little formal education for professionals who want to transition into this vital field.

“CDR is essential if we’re serious about meeting our climate goals and we need a workforce ready to build an industry even larger than oil and gas.

“Whether you’re in government, industry, or finance, this course gives you a comprehensive understanding of what carbon removal involves, from technology and systems thinking to policy and implementation.

“What excites me most is knowing that by growing this community, we’re helping people contribute directly to solving the climate crisis.”

The online course offers flexible access for students who can start anytime and anywhere in the world and offers a reduced price for learners from emerging economies. For more information or to enrol visit the website.

The arrival of the new course has been welcomed by Chris Sherwood, Secretary General of the Negative Emissions Platform, the leading CDR industry association based in Brussels.

He said: “It’s exciting to see that leading universities are recognising the importance of carbon dioxide removals and preparing to equip a new generation of climate entrepreneurs who will lead the growth of a powerful new green economy.”

Carbon dioxide is primarily produced through the burning of fossil fuels, such as oil, coal and natural gas, and by altering natural carbon sinks through land-use changes and industrial activities. Having an excess of CO2 in the atmosphere intensifies the greenhouse effect, leading to significant environmental and climatic changes.

There are many significant challenges in removing carbon dioxide from the air such as uncertain long-term storage and high costs. Without a skilled workforce, these challenges are magnified and jeopardise climate goals. 

Housing: Boosting crisis support

New Scottish Government funding to prevent homelessness and expand emergency grants

Efforts to tackle homelessness, reduce poverty and support women who have experienced domestic abuse are being bolstered by an additional £1.6 million this year. This includes:

  • A further £1 million investment in Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs) for local authorities to help people move from temporary accommodation into settled homes
  • £100,000 to expand an emergency fund that outreach workers can use to help rough sleepers or those at risk of becoming homeless
  • £500,000 to further bolster the £1 million Fund to Leave announced on 2 September. This supports women experiencing domestic abuse to buy essentials when leaving an abusive partner, recognising that domestic abuse remains a leading cause of women’s homelessness

Housing Secretary Màiri McAllan announced the suite of measures ahead of a speech to Scotland’s Annual Homelessness Conference in Perth today.

Commenting before the event, Ms McAllan said: “Our approach to supporting people is rooted in compassion and is driven by the belief that everyone – regardless of circumstance – deserves a place to call home.

“These investments reflect that housing is about more than basic shelter – it’s about safety, dignity, and the chance to rebuild. And it follows on from the work set out in the Housing Bill to revolutionise homelessness prevention and improve standards in rented housing.

“When we get housing and anti-poverty measures right, we don’t just solve a problem, we build a fairer and healthier Scotland for generations.

“Today’s announcement, building on extensive work already carried out, show’s how seriously we take our duty to build a fairer Scotland.”

Scotland’s Annual Homelessness Conference